The C&TH Guide to Devon

Wondering what to do, where to eat and the best things to see in Devon? Look no further! The C&TH team has a bound together to showcase the best that this lovely county has to offer. You’ll find salt-swept surfers hang out at Croyde and Woolacombe while the low-key simply pull on their hiking boots and head for moody Dartmoor, fuelling up on fish and chips down in Brixham. Throw into the mix wild moorlands, dramatic headlands and some of the UKs best beaches, and you’ve got a winning recipe for staycation success.

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The C&TH Guide to Devon

The Best Things To Do In Devon

Explore Greenway

Sleuth around Agatha Christie’s holiday home, Greenway, on the River Dart. Creep around the walled garden, peach house and vinery and peruse the family’s eclectic collection of archaeology, silverware and, of course, lots of books. nationaltrust.org.uk

Visit Dartington Hall

Over the border in Devon, Dartington Hall has a rich history that dates back over 1,000 years. It was the site of the pioneering, controversial 20th-century ‘Dartington experiment’, taking in everything from education and farming to the arts. You can explore its 1,200 acre estate, including its Arts & Crafts gardens with sculptures by Henry Moore, Willi Soukop and Peter Randall-Page. dartington.org

Creep Through Medieval Passages

Underneath the hustle and bustle of Exeter lies what remains of a network of medieval vaulted tunnels, built to supply the city with fresh water. Opt for a guided tour – it’s rumoured that a ghost cycles the passages by night, so you’ll want company… exeter.gov.uk

See the Wildlife at Berry Head

One for wildlife-watchers, Berry Head’s thin limestone soils and mild climate has made it a haven for some of the UK’s rarest species. It is home to colonies of Guillemots, Razorbills and Black-legged Kittiwakes. There is an abundance of picturesque spots to lay out a spread across this 400 million-year stretch of coastline. countryside-trust.org.uk

Venture to Lundy Island

You don’t need to travel to Ecuador to see incredible wildlife. Dubbed England’s answer to the Galapagos, you can spot puffins, seals and even basking sharks off Lundy Island on Devon’s north coast. Take a day trip, or stay in one of the Landmark Trust’s 23 unique properties. landmarktrust.org.uk

(c) Steven Haywood

Sandridge Barton, The Home Of Sharpham Wine

Sandridge Barton (previously Sharpham Wine & Cheese) has relocated to its new, 400 acre home in Stoke Gabriel, on the east bank of the river. They meticulously select cool climate grape varieties for the vineyard, which guests can learn about on guided (or self-guided) tours and tastings, or sip at the on-site restaurant, which offers a relaxed atmosphere – both inside and on its south facing sun terraces – and uses only the best local and seasonal produce. sandridgebarton.com

Dig deep at Incredible Edible in Totnes

If you’re needing a bit of community connection and reconnection with the soil, gardening initiative Incredible Edible at Totnes may be for you. You don’t need any knowledge, as it welcomes anyone from any background. Growing everything from fruit and herbs to edible flowers and vegetables in public and unused spaces, it’s for everyone in Totnes to share. transitiontowntotnes.org

Sit Smug On a Secret Beach

Gara Rock Beach is an unspoiled cove between Prawle Point and the mouth of the Salcombe-Kingsbridge Estuary. Stay at the Gara Rock Hotel with a clifftop pool, spa and easy access to the beach. gararock.com

The Cridford Inn

Grab a pint at The Cridford Inn. The longhouse dates back to 825AD, making it one of the UK’s oldest pubs. thecrifordinn.co.uk

Wander Around Waterfalls

Walk off a Sunday roast around Dartmoor’s Lydford Gorge surrounded by ancient woodland. See the dramatic 30-metre White Lady Waterfall and Devil’s Cauldren bubbling whirlpool and keep your eyes peeled for Kingfishers. nationaltrust.org.uk

Unplug at Loveland Farm

Perched in North Devon’s Hartland Peninsula, Loveland Farm plays host to six geodesic domes. It’s billed as a space for creatives to unplug from frenzied modern living and is sustainable from the outset: think solar panels, biomass systems for energy, plus all the pods require no electricity nor water. loveland.farm

Walk Somewhere Wonderful

Don’t forget to pack your walking boots for a steep ascent to the rugged heights of Ilfracombe Torrs in Devon. nationaltrust.org.uk

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Wild Swimming In Devon

Boost your dopamine levels with a quick dip in Devon. Wild water swimming hotspots include the still pool on the Staverton circular walk (complete with rope swing), or the Hindu Caves – a popular spot in Victorian times, they inspired Charles Kingsley’s The Water Babies. devonandcornwallwildswimming.co.uk

Saunton Sands Beach

Fringed by the impressive Braunton Barrows dunes, there is room for everyone on this three and a half mile sandy plain. Great for swimming, surfing and… music videos. Robbie Williams used Saunton Sands beach to film his Angels video – it’s got to be good. visitdevon.co.uk

Where To Eat & Drink In Devon

River Cottage

Floppy haired and enthusiastic Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall put Devon’s River Cottage (with his famous food philosophy) on the map, raising awareness of welfare and sustainability of animals and fish. Share his passion – and the local produce – with regular Friday or Saturday night feasts in the rustic barn. rivercottage.net

The Fish Deli

Take a trip to The Fish Deli in the ancient town of Ashburton, Devon. Stocking fresh, pole-and-line caught fish from small day boats, sustainability and seasonality is at the heart of this family-run operation. thefishdeli.co.uk

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The Oyster Shack

Oyster lovers used to pitch up at Devon’s River Avon with a bottle of wine and a crusty loaf to enjoy with locally caught shellfish. The Oyster Shack in Bigbury continues that tradition on its bright and sunny terrace. Great fun and great value. oystershack.co.uk

Salcombe Dairy

There’s no end in flavours of ice cream, sorbet and crushes found at The Salcombe Dairy Cabin by Kingsbridge’s pretty quay – honeycomb with local honey is favourite. salcombedairy.co.uk

Ode To Devon

Tim & Clare Bouquet’s admirable mission is to offer ‘planet friendly food accessible for all budgets’. First off was Ode Dining in Sheldon, next Ode Ness Cove, a beachside café with its micro brewery and recently came Ode Gara Rock with superb views over South Hams as well as Ode on the Road, a pizza van travelling around South Devon. odetruefood.com

Beachhouse, South Milton Sands

The laidback Beachhouse is on a stunning stretch of the Devon coast. Enjoy gazing out to sea or meeting friends while tucking into a fish finger sandwich or mussels and chips. beachhousedevon.com

Two Drifters Distillery

Did you know rum in the UK is usually brought in from the Caribbean or South America? Two Drifters decided to create its own carbon-negative rum from scratch in Devon. Take a tour and you’ll be greeted with a Devon Stormy cocktail on arrival, before being whisked around to see the journey from raw ingredients to the finished bottle. twodriftersrum.com

The Waterside Bistro, Totnes

The French-style fish soup at The Waterside Bistro by the river in Totnes is fantastic – rich, deeply flavoured and served with rouille, croutons and gruyere – comme il faut. watersidebistro.com

The Elephant, Torquay

Simon Hulstone is one of our most exciting chefs at The Elephant Restaurant. A three course set lunch in the Brasserie downstairs is both a taste sensation and excellent value. elephantrestaurant.co.uk

Where To Stay In Devon

Click here to check out our full guide to Devon’s loveliest places to stay.

Featured Image: Getty Images